Multi-purpose lapidary device



oct. 2o, 1959 f P, A. VONADA 2,909,169

MULTI-PURPOSE LAPIDARYDEVICE l Filed July 17, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 PHIL/.1P A. von/A0A INVnvrozg.

ATTORNEY Oct. 20, 1959 P. A. voNADA MULTI-PURPOSE LAPIDARY DEVICE Filed July 1'7, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG PH/LL/P A. vo/vAnA 1N VEN TOR.

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A ATTORNEY Oct. 20, 1959 P.. A.`\voNADA 2,909Q169 v uuml-PURPOSE LAPIDARY msvcxs` Filed July 17. 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 llllllillllllllllllllll! l PH/LL/P A. VONADA INVENToR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent O MULTI-PURPOSE LAPIDARY DEVICE Phillip A.Vonada, State College, Pa.

Application July 17, 1957, Serial No. 672,503 s Claims. (Cl. 12s- 13) This invention relates to tool holding devices and more particularly to multi-purpose lapidary units.

In the processing and forming of stones, gemstones and the like the lapidary art utilizes seven basic rotary operations, i.e., sawing, grinding, sanding, polishing, lapping, and faceting. The order and number of operations varies with the particular stone, coniiguration and/or finish desired and in most cases all or substantially allof the aforementioned operations are required to obtain a stone having a suitable configuration and finish.

Obviously, in the processing and formation of stones and gemstones individual units especially adapted to perform each necessary operation may be used or one or more multi-purpose units may be used. The cost of procuring especially developed individual lapidary units is prohibitive for the amateur lapidist and considerable space is necessary to store such units. For these reasons vsubstantial effort has been expended to 'develop multipurpose lapidary units of maximum utility and minimum size and cost.

Notwithstanding the prior efforts mentioned herein above, the prior art multi-purpose lapidary units generally do not admit of the completion of all lapidary operations on'a single unit, and the provision of means to satisfactorily perform one operation almost universally prohibits the performance of at least one other operation and seriously restricts the facility with which other operations may be carried out, quite often requiring that they be carried out in an inferior manner by inferior means. In addition to the disadvantages enumerated hereinabove, the position and location of the tools for performing the various rotary operations are not adjustable or adaptable for conventional operations, for specific operations of a more or less non-conventional nature, or for the tool holding `'position most suitable for the operation and convenient to the operator for carrying out one or more particular operations.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device for performing rotary operations.

It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved multi-purpose lapidary unit.

It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved lapidary unit whereby substantially all lapidary operations can be carried out in a more convenient and facile manner than heretofore.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved lapidary unit for performing a plurality of rotary operations that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Still another object of the invention is the prow'sion in a lapidary device of a new and novel tool and 'work supporting arrangement of simple construction adjustable for performance of substantially every conventional lapidary operation whereby such operations may be carried out in a more facile and convenient manner and those operations as may be required or desired in special cases.

'Ilhese and other objects and features of the invention, together with their incident advantages, will be more readily understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof 2,999,169 `Patented VOct. 20, 1,9579

selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: v

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembled invention showing the driving means and a saw Vblade in phantom. Y

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the tool supporting means in position for grinding and showing the driving means, a grinding wheel Vand a splash guard in position. Y v

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the housing taken on line 3--3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4--4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a side view of the vise forming a part of the invention. p

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the vise taken on line 6 6 of Figure 5.

With reference no'w to the drawings and particularly -to Figure l the invention is comprised of a narrow horizontally disposed metal base 10 of suflicient thickness to render it rigid, an adjustable constant tension motor mount 11 removably attached above and at one end of the base 10, adjustable tool supporting means 12 carried by and disposed above the opposite end of the base and a removable vise 13 carried by the upper surface 14 of the base 10 and continuously movable toward and faway from the tool supporting means 12. The base 10 is preferably supported by three legs provided with rubber tipped lower surfaces 15 to reducel vibration and slipping, one leg 16 being disposed below the tool supporting means 12 and the remaining two legs 17 forming a part of the motor mount 11 and being oppositely spaced transversely away from the base 10 as will be more fully described hereinafter. 'Ihe motor mount 11 is preferably of the constant tension type to support a conventional electric motor 18 (shown in phantom). As shown in Figure 1 there is provided -at one end of the base two horizontally and transversely extending `T`shaped arms 19 attached at the foot 21 of each T to the base as by Welding or the like such that the lower portion of each cross arm 22 extends vertically in a downwardly direction .to form one leg 17 and the upper portion of each cross arm 22 extends vertically in an upwardly direction, each upper portion being provided with oppositely disposed axial passages 23 located above the base V10 and adapted to removably receive a rod 24 for pivotally supporting a motor base plate 25 having two downwardly extending sides 26. The motor base plate 25 is adjustably journalled on the Irod 24 as by holes -27 adjacent one end of the longitudinal downwardly extending sides 26 forming an integral part o-f the motor base plate 25. Further, in a like manner, the motor base plate 25 may be rendered adjustable in a vertical plane if desired. The particular means of pivotally supporting 'the motor base plate 25 above the base need not necessarily be accomplished in the manner shown and described, but it is considered essential for maximum utilization of thehinvention and to prevent excessive wear on the pulley belt 28 (shown in phantom) that the motor base plate 25 be transversely adjustable with respect to the base 10. In this respect it will be readily appreciated that the provision and combination of the rear legs 17 and the support for the rod in the manner shown and described provides an exceptionally simple and stable base -and support for the motor 18 while allowing amaximum amount of transverse adjustment of the motor base plate 25. As will also become apparent, they cooperate with the tool holding means 12 to result in an operable device.

Tool supporting means 12, referred to generally hereinbefore, are provided at the end of the base 10 opposite the motor mount 11 to provide universal Vadjustment of a `Working tool as for example a saw blade 35 as shown in phantom in Figure 1. As used herein the term working tool includes lapidary forming tools such as, for example, rotary grinding wheels, tumblers, faceting wheels, diamond saws and the like, and also includes other rotary driven tools. As most clearly shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 there is provided a vertical main supporting member 36 comprised of cast iron, aluminum or the like and fixedly attached as by welding or the like at the end of the base oppositely disposed from the motor mount. A rearwardly extending ear 37 integral with the main supporting member 36 is provided with a passage to freely receive a bolt 38 adapted for removably attaching an L- shaped iirst tool locating member 39 comprised of a at back plate 41 and a cylindrical sleeve 42 perpendicular thereto. The back plate 41 is in abutting relationship with the inner surface 43 of the ear 37 and is preferably formed such that it is generally wedge-shaped in form but semi-circular at both ends, the larger end having an axial passage 44 to freely receive a bolt 38 and the -smaller end being of substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical sleeve 42 extending rearwardly from, perpendicular to and integral with the back plate 41. A second cylindrical tool supporting element 4S is adapted to telescopically and rotatably t in the cylindrical sleeve 42. Set screws 46 or the like may Ibe provided on the sleeve 42 to securely lock the second tool supporting element 45 in any desired position. With reference now to Figure 2 and Figure 3 there is shown rigidly attached perpendicular to the second cylindrical element 45 as by welding or the like a cylindrical housing 47 having grooves 48--49 at each of its inner extreme ends to receive respectively ball bearing races 51-52. Axially disposed within the housing 47 is a spindle 53 having a flat circular upper portion 54 spaced away from one end of the housing 47 by the inner ball bearing race 55, a cylindrical middle portion 56 extending through the housing 47 and in abutting relationship with the inner ball bearing races 55-57, and a cylindrical lower portion 58 extending exteriorly of the opposite end of the housing and adapted to receive Iand support a pulley wheel, such as for example a step-cone pulley wheel 59 as shown in phantom in Figure 2. A conically shaped recess 61, such as for example a two or three Morris taper, extends from the upper portion 54 into the middle portion 56 of the spindle 53 to receive and securely lgrip a similarly tapered mandrel 62 adapted for attachment to the particular working tool being used. If desired, an axial passage 63 extending through the lower portion 58 ofthe spindle 53 may be provided to freely receive a bolt 64 threaded at its upper end 65 for threaded engagement with the tool supporting mandrel 62 to insure its retention in the spindle 53 when being used and to allow easy removal of the tool supporting mandrel 62 from the spindle 53. Suitable means such as for example a retaining ring 66 may be provided on the middle portion 56 of the spindle below the lower ball bearing race 57 to retain the spindle in the housing in a substantially fixed axial position.

The elements comprising the tool supporting means may be comprised of any suitable material such as, for example, steel, cast iron and the like and formed with such dimensions as may be appropriate for the size of object -to be formed, but they must be formed and adapted to provide a rugged and fixed support for the working tool once it has been placed in the desired working position. It is, therefore, to be understood that although specific and preferred tool supporting structure has been shown and described to obtain substantially rigid and universal location `of the working tool, the invention is not so limited; other means, although less satisfactory, will occur to those experienced in the art and may be used, such as for example, a telescopically adjustable doubleended ball and socket joint, non-axially adjustable tool supporting means individually adjustable in one direction or plane resulting in adjustability in a plurality of directions, and the like. Although all lapidary operations except saw-ing can 'be satisfactorily performed by the components forming a part of the invention and constructed and formed in the manner hereinbefore described, maximum utility of the invention is obtained by the provision of a vise 13 cooperatively carried by the base 10 and movable toward and away from the housing 47 in rthe manner hereinafterdescribed. As best shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 the vise is comprised of a fixed jaw 71 and a movable jaw 72 carried in a vertically disposed open ended frame 73 having a top wall 74, a bottom wall 75 and two oppositely disposed side walls 76--77, and a carriage 78 adapted for longitudinal movement on the base 10 and transverse adjustment of the `frame 73. The carriage 78 is comprised of a rectangular base plate 79 having four wheels 81, one each rotatably carried at each corner of the base plate 79 and adapted to roll in tracks or guides 82 formed in the base such that the carriage 78 will move easily in a longitudinal direction but such that transverse movement of the carriage is prevented. Transverse wedge-,shaped guide slots 83 are provided adjacent and inwardly of each oppositely disposed pair of wheels 81 to slidably receive similarly formed guide bars 84 connected to the bottom wall 75` and connected at two corresponding ends by a connecting bar 85 disposed `adjacent one side of the base plate 79 intermediate the wheels and having a centrally located transverse passage 86. Transverse adjustment of the frame 73 is secured by an adjusting screw 87 having an unthreaded outer portion 88 and a threaded inner portion 89, the outer portion 88 extending through the passage 86 in the connecting bar 85 and held against transverse movement with regard to the connecting bar 85 by a knob 91 and an annular lip 92, the threaded inner portion 89 extending into a recess 93 `in the carriage base plate 79. The outer portion 94 of the recess is internally threaded for engagement with the threaded portion 89 of the adjusting screw 87 whereby as the knob 91 is rotated the connecting bar 85 and hence the frame 73 will be continuously transversely adjusted with regard to the carriage base plate 79 as the threaded portion 89 of the adjusting screw 87 is advanced into or out of the recess 93.

The vise 13 is provided with a fixed jaw 71 formed by the center portion of one side wall 76 and two work engaging members 95-96 extending the width of the yframe 73 land having a more or less triangular cross section. Each work engaging member 95-96 is fixedly attached to the side wall 76 as by screws 97 or the like such that 4the exposed surfaces 98-99 of each member 95-96 and the exposed inner surface 101 of the wall 76 form a vertically disposed transverse recess formed by Ivertically disposed surfaces 102-103, flat inwardly vextending surfaces 98-99, horizontally disposed surfaces .104-105 and `the inner wall 4surface 101 adapted to cooperate with the inner surfaces of the movable jaw 72 to securely grip large stones of substantially anyv configuration.v

A movable jaw 72 is disposed oppositely to the fixed jaw 71 and is provided with a at upper portion 106 disposed at an angle to and integral with a similarly formed lower portion 107 whereby the inner surfaces 10S-109 of respectively the upper and lower portions 106-107 are integral with a vertically disposed surface 111 having a width substantially equal to the width of the exposed inner surface 101 of the wall 76 forming la. -part of the fixed jaw 71. A vertically disposed transverse groove 112 formed by similar outwardly extending at surfaces 113-114 and a vertically disposed inner surface 11S is provided intermediate the inner end portions 106-107 and opposite the vertically disposed surface 111 to receive in `abutting relationship the ends of two clamping bolts 116 threadably carried by the side wall 77 for advancing the movable jaw 72 and also to cooperate with the fixed jaw 71 in the manner hereinafter described. The movable jaw is held against transverse movement by two ears 117-118 integral with 'respectively the outermost surfaces of the upper portion '106 and the lower portion 107 and' adapted to slidably fit respectively in guide slots 119-121 formed in the center portion of the upper wall 74 and the lower wall 75. The length of the frame 73 and the length and depth of the guide slots 119-121 should be such that the movable jaw 72 may be tipped sufficiently to disengage the ears 117-118 from the guide slots 119-121 so that lthe movable jaw 72 may be removed from and reinserted in the frame 73 in a reverse position (shown in phantom in Figure for gripping relatively small stones and the like. In the reverse position for clamping small stones and the like the at surface 111 is disposed for operative and abutting engagement with the clamping bolts 116 and the wedge shaped groove 112, previously disposed for operative and abutting engagement with the clamping bolts 116, and the vertically disposed surfaces 122-123 integral with respectively the outer portion of the angularly disposed surfaces 124-125 are movable into abutting and operative relationship respectively with the exposed surfaces of the xed jaw.

It may now be obvious that when the movable jaw is in one position the exposed surfaces of the movable jaw and the exposed surfaces of the xed jaw cooperate to effectively grip a large stone or the like of substantially any configuration, and when the position of the movable jaw is reversed the now exposed surfaces of the movable jaw and the exposed surfaces of the fixed jaw cooperate to effectively grip relatively small stones or the like of substantially any configuration in a plurality of available and different positions as may be convenient or desired,

Although the movable jaw may be formed in one solid piece if desired greater versatility may be obtained by forming the movable jaw in three separate transverse sections 126-127-128 as most clearly shown in Figure 6 such that the clamping bolts 116 engage the two outermost sections 126-128 and connecting the three sections together such that the center section 127 is movable forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the end sections 126-128. To maintain the middle section 127 in the desired relationship with regard to theend sections 126-128 pins 129-131 passing through and securely held by the extremities of the end sections 126- 128 are provided that also pass through similar passages 132 in the extremities of the center section 127 that are of a diameter or size greater than the pin passing therethrough such that the middle section 127 may `independently move a limited distance in -a forwardly and rearwardly direction.

In performing one of the lapidary operations referred to hereinbefore, such as forexample grinding, polishing, tumbling and the like, the vise may either be removed or positioned out of the way near the motor mount. By way `of example and particularly with reference to Figure 2 a guard or splash guard 134 (shown in phanan axial opening in its lower surface (not shown) may be attached to and supported by the housing 47 in any convenient manner as by braces 135 or the like. The work tool, such as for example a grinding wheel 136 shown in phauQm. in Figurel, axially mounted on a mandrel adapted to fit in the recess 61 in the spindle 53, may now be placed in position. The tool supporting means 12 may thereafter be adjusted to position the work tool and the guard in the most desirable position for thel The motor 18 may now be adjusted trans-- T6 ple as shown in Figure 2 and attaching the faceting tool to either the base 10 or the vertical 'main supporting member 36 as maybe most convenient or desired.

Sawing operations, such as for example slab and'trim sawing stones and the like, are performed by attaching to the housing as in the manner hereinbefore described a suitable guard or splash guard adapted to cover the upper portion of the saw blade, mounting a saw blade of any convenient or desirable Idiameter on the spindle and adjusting the tool supporting means whereby the saw blade is disposed at the desired position and angle (see Figure 1) with regard to the vise. For slab sawingl the stone may Abe clamped in the vise and the vise adjusted transversely as described hereinbefore to the desired position. The actual cutting operation may be performed by advancing the vise toward the saw blade either manually or by any suitable automatic means `adapted to advance the v-ise at a constant rate and maintain constant pressure between the stone and the saw blade.

For trim sawing, a rigid plate (not shown) having a slot adapted and located to freely'receive the saw blade may be afxed to the top Wall of the vise and the stone manually held on or clamped to the plate and overl the slot such that the desired cut will be made as the vise is advanced toward the saw blade.

In view of the foregoing discussion it may nowy be apparent that the present invention provides a rugged and compact device especially adapted for performing lapidary operations, that occupies a minimum amount of space and that can be easily carried from one place to another and stored when not in use. The invention `also allows the performance of all lapidary operations in a more facile and convenient manner than heretofore by the simple expedient of changing the working tool `and any parts associated therewith or necessary` for convenient and/or safe operation of the working tool and adjusting the tool supporting means to the required and most convenient position for theoperation being performed and the operator using the tool.

In addition, the` provision of tool supporting means as shown and described herein provides a base for removably supporting a guardv or splash guard for every type of working tool.

torn) of conventional and suitable configuration having 5"5 While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of the invention and particular methods for use of the invention, it is obvious that various minor changes may be made and will readily suggest themselves to others skilled in the art without departing 'from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims thevinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed and desired to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is: Y

1. In a device *for performing rotary operations the combination comprising; a base; a rotatable tool supporting element; a housing adapted to rotatably receive said tool supporting element; a first tool locating element adjustable about a first axis parallel to and above said base; a second tool locating element connecting said first tool locating element and said housing in spaced relationship whereby said housing is, adjustable about a second axis parallel to and above said base; transversely adjustable motor support means carried by said base opposite of said supporting means; and means carried by said base for supporting said first tool locating'element above said base, said first and second tool locating elements being disposed between said means and said housing whereby said housing is located at a point further distant from said means than either of said first or second tool locating elements.

2. In a device for performing rotary operations the combination comprising: a base; a rotatable tool supporting element; a housing adapted to rotatably rece`ive 'said tool supporting element; a first tool locating member adjustable aboutA a first axis parallel to and above said base; a second tool supporting member carried by said first tool locating member connecting said housing and said first tool locating member whereby said housing is adjustable about a second axis parallel to and above said base; transversely adjustable motor support means carried by said base opposite of said supporting means; and main support member means disposed at one end of Said base for adjustably supporting said first tool locating member about said first axis and above said base whereby the axis of said housing may be rotated to any desired position about said second axis and said housing may be' rotatedto any desired position about said first axis, said first tool locating member and said second tool supporting member being disposed between said main support member and said housing whereby said housing is llocated at a point substantially perpendicular to and further `distant from said main support member than either' of said first or second members.

3. In a device for performing rotary operations the combination comprising: a base; a rotatable tool supporting element; a housing adapted to rotatably receive said tool supporting element; a first tool locating member having a substantially fiat end plate and a first sleeve substantially perpendicular thereto; a second sleeve fixedly connected to said housing and carried by said first sleeve and radially adjustable with respect to said first sleeve; an upstanding main support member disposed at one end of said base adapted for abutting engagement with said fiat end plate for supporting said first tool locating member above said base; means connecting said fiat end plate and said main support member whereby said first sleeve is radially adjustable about an axis transverse to said main support member and above said base; and means for supporting a motor at the other end of said base and transversely adjustable therewith.

4. In a device for performing rotary operations the combination comprising: a base; a spindle adapted to be rotatably driven; a housing for rotatably receiving said spindle; an L-shaped tool locating member having a flat end plate and a first sleeve substantially perpendicular thereto; a second sleeve fixedly connected perpendicular to said housing and radially adjustably carried by saidfirst sleeve; a main supporting wall fixedly attached to one end of said base for supporting said L-shaped tool locating member above said base; and means for adjustably connecting one end of said flat end plate and said main supporting wall whereby at least a portion of said fiat end plate and said wall are maintained in abutting engagement and said first sleeve is radially adjustable about an axis transverse to said main supporting wall and above said base; and means for supporting a motor at the other end of said base and transversely adjustable therewith.

5. In a device for performing lapidary operations the combination comprising: a base having a first end portion and a second end portion; means for supporting a motor at said base first end portion, said means including outwardly extending first and second T-shaped arms fixedly attached to and transverse of said base whereby said motor is movable transversely of said base and a portion of said T-shaped arms form two oppositely disposed legs for supporting said base first end portion; a spindle adapted to be rotatably driven; a housing for rotatably receiving said spindle; an L-shaped tool locating member having a fiat end plate forming one leg and a first sleeve forming the other leg; a second sleeve perpendicular to said housing and fixedly connected thereto, said second sleeve being carried 4by said first sleeve and radially adjustable with respect to said first sleeve; a main supporting wall fixedly attached to said base second end portion for rigidly supporting said L-shaped tool locating member above said base; and means for adjustably maintaining one end of said fiat end plate and said main supporting wall substantially in abutting engagement whereby said iirst sleeve is rotatably adjustable about an axis transverse through said main supporting wall.

6. In a device for performing lapidary operations the combination comprising: a base having a rst end portion and a second end portion; means for pivotally supporting a motor at said base first end portion, said means including two T-shaped arms extending outwardly from and fixedly attached to said base first end portion whereby said motor is movable transversely past the sides of said base first end portion and a portion of said T-shaped arms form two oppositely disposed support legs; a spindle adapted to be rotatably driven by said motor; a housing for rotatably receiving said spindle; a fiat upstanding main supporting member rigidly carried by said base second end portion; an L-shaped tool locating member having a first leg adapted for abutting engagement with said main supporting member; means connecting the end of said tool locating member first leg and said main supporting member and in abutting engagement therewith whereby said tool locating member is radially adjustable about a fixed axis; and means connecting said housing and said tool locating member whereby said housing is radially adjustable with respect to said tool locating member.

7. In a device for performing rotary operations the combination comprising: a base having a first end portion and a second end portion; means for supporting a motor at and transversely adjustable with said base first end portion including two legs for supporting said base first end portion; a rotatable tool supporting element; a housing adapted to rotatably receive said tool supporting element; a first tool locating element adjustable about a first axis parallel to and above said base; a second tool locating element connecting said first tool locating element and said housing in spaced relationship whereby said housing is adjustable about a second axis parallel to and above said base; and means carried by said base second end portion for supporting said first tool locating element above said base, said first and second tool locating elements being disposed between said means and said housing whereby said housing is located at a point further distant from said means than either of said first or second tool locating elements.

8. In a device for performing rotary operations the combination comprising: a base having a first end portion and a second end portion; means for supporting a motor at said base first end portion and transversely adjustable therewith; a rotatable tool supporting element; a housing adapted to rotatably receive said tool supporting element; an L-shaped tool locating element having a first leg and a first sleeve substantially parallel to said base forming the other leg; a second sleeve integral with said housing and radially adjustably carried by said first sleeve; a main supporting wall integral with said base second end portion for rigidly supporting said L-shaped tool locating element above said base; and means for adjustably attaching the free end of said first leg to said supporting wall whereby said first sleeve is rotatably adjustable about an axis substantially parallel to said base.

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